LONGTIME PATIENT "DIFFERENCE-MAKER" FOR SCORE OF DENTISTS

Jackson resident Shelby Kennedy came to the School of Dentistry at the University of Mississippi Medical Center in need of some immediate dental work. A broken tooth was giving him problems and a cleaning and examination were overdue.

He heard the school provided services to the public and he made his first dental appointment – nearly 30 years ago. Kennedy, 81, remains a loyal patient of the school, showing up faithfully for his twice yearly cleanings. He has helped many dental school students develop their skills.

“He’s trained at least 20 (dental students) and many dental hygiene students,” said Dr. Scott Gatewood, associate professor and chair of endodontics in the School of Dentistry. Both Gatewood and his brother, Dr. Hiram Gatewood, clinical professor of dentistry, have treated Kennedy.

Kennedy, who has been coming to the dental school since it graduated its first students in 1979, said often he is asked, “How old are you? And you still have your own teeth?” He responds with laughter.

“I’ve met some fine people here,” Kennedy said on a recent visit to the school. “They have left here and have done well for themselves.”

One of those who crossed Kennedy’s path was Dr. Roddy Scarbrough, a School of Dentistry alumnus and immediate past president of the Mississippi Dental Association. As a student, Scarbrough treated Kennedy.

He said people like Kennedy make a difference in the lives of students. 

“We had to recruit our own patients and treat our own patients to get our requirements in,” Scarbrough said. “It’s nothing like private practice, where what may take an hour or two to do now, back then it may have taken two or three days. Even today I’m very appreciative of those who participated in my education from the standpoint of being a patient.”

Deborah Franklin, a dental hygienist, calls Kennedy a longtime friend of the dental school and dental hygiene program. His regular visits provide hands-on training for students.

“Mr. Kennedy is a loyal patient of this program and a very courteous, sweet man. The students love him because he is patient and respectful,” she said.

These days, Kennedy’s connection to the dental school is a personal one. His granddaughter’s husband, Curtis Bishop, is a fourth-year dental student and treats Kennedy.

“He’s got a partial he won’t let me get to,” Bishop said. Kennedy smiled.

Kennedy is looking forward to the birth of his first great-grandchild in November, and he maintains an active schedule that includes volunteering at the G.V. “Sonny” Montgomery Veterans Administration Medical Center and attending the Friday night dances at his retirement home.

What’s the secret to his long life?

“I try to do my exercise every day,” he said before pausing, “and I brush my teeth.”

—Patrice Sawyer Guilfoyle (9-17-07)

2007-09-14 00:00:00 17323